Owning a car can be very beneficial. When
you have one, you will be able to travel to different locations without looking
into the schedule of public transportation. Having a car will also help you
ward off stress as you get to determine your route, who you’re going to travel
with, and when you’re going to hit the road.
However, being a car owner isn’t a walk
in the park, as you also have to pay attention to several rules and regulations.
Complying with all of these is essential to ensure that you avoid getting in an accident while on the
road and having any legal repercussions. This is especially true if you’re
planning to drive your car in a fast-paced environment, such as those seen in
the US.
Driving for the first time in the U.S. can be shocking for
many drivers because of the high rate of speed on most roads and the broad
range of signs that drivers have to quickly read. Police have a strong presence
on the roads in the U.S., and they will often pull people over for relatively
minor traffic violations. Therefore, it is important for drivers to understand
how to drive safely on U.S. roads to avoid getting in an accident or
experiencing problems with the police.
1. Drive on
the Right Side of the Road
Every driver who travels on U.S. roads should know that cars
are required to drive on the right side of the road in all 50 states. Solid
yellow lines in the center of the roadway clearly divide traffic, and drivers
should abide by these lines at all times. Driving over a solid yellow line to
the opposite side of the roadway is dangerous and can result in a serious
traffic violation. Only pedestrians are supposed to walk on the left side of
the road so that they can see oncoming traffic. When in a car or motorcycle,
therefore, you should always stay on the right side of the road.
2. Never
Drive After Consuming Alcohol
In many countries, driving while under the influence of
alcohol is considered a minor offense and rarely prosecuted. The U.S., on the
other hand, imposes very harsh penalties on intoxicated drivers who are caught
operating a vehicle. In some states, you can spend up to a year in prison and
face fines of over $10,000 for being caught with a blood alcohol level
exceeding 0.08 percent. As in all countries, driving under the influence of
alcohol is also a serious danger to your passengers and other drivers. To stay
safe on the roadway, never get behind the wheel when you have recently been
drinking.
Regardless of how high your alcohol
tolerance is, you should never take chances and get behind the wheel after
consuming alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system can become the
reason why you lose your focus on the road, and your vision is impaired.
After drinking alcohol, have a friend
take you home or grab a taxi. Aside from making sure that you’re safe going
home, these options will also guarantee that you won’t get into any trouble
with the police in the US.
3. Be Sure
to Get Insurance
The U.S. imposes mandatory insurance requirements on all
drivers. Police can ask you to produce valid insurance cards or SR22 documents
proving that you have insurance. The requirements for SR22 vary from
state to state, but almost all drivers who are considered "high risk"
are required to carry SR22 documentation. Some states also issue SR22
documentation in lieu of drivers posting a cash bond as proof of financial
responsibility. The best way to figure out whether you need SR22 documentation
in your situation is to talk to your insurance company.
With the number of companies offering insurance today, it’s always best if you spend time comparing different
options. If this is your first time to get insurance, ask recommendations from
your friends and family. You can also read different online platforms to
determine how a specific insurance company performs.
4. Learn the
Traffic Symbols
Some of the safest roads in the world are found in the U.S.
because of the orderly way that traffic is directed with the help of road
signs. Consequently, the U.S. has many more signs on public roads and highways
than in other countries. To safely operate a vehicle, you should familiarize
yourself with the most common road signs. Most bureau of
motor vehicle offices can provide free booklets that explain the meaning of
road signs in your state.
5. Drive-in
the Correct Lane
When driving in the U.S., it is very important to stay
between the marked lines in your lane. Additionally, you will need to make sure
that you are in the proper lane at all times. On highways with four lanes or
more, slower traffic should stay as far right as possible on your side of the
road. On highways with six lanes or more, the lane that is closest to the left
on your side on the road is often reserved or only available for passing. Make
sure that you familiarize yourself with what lane you should be driving in
before setting out on a road trip.
Be A Responsible Driver
Having a car in the US can gradually
improve the quality of your life, but before you can experience all of these
things, remember that you also have an important role to play. As a driver in
the US, you need to abide by the rules and regulations set in the state. Sure,
this might be daunting or even inconvenient, but it’s for your safety and other
drivers on the road, you should be more than willing to adapt to these changes.